CVS is a procedure that allows a small sample of the baby’s developing placenta (‘after-birth’) to be collected.

The baby and the placenta both develop from the fertilised egg. Cells from the placenta are therefore similar to the baby’s cells and can be tested for some types of birth defects. The developing placenta is made up of tissue called chorionic villi at this stage of pregnancy. The most common type of test done on a CVS sample is a chromosome test.

CVS is an outpatient procedure performed by a specially trained doctor. If you decide to have a CVS, an ultrasound scan will be arranged before the test to establish the stage of pregnancy and the best time for doing the CVS.

For a CVS to be done, it helps to have a full bladder. The uterus (womb) is often hidden behind the bowel making it difficult to see. When the bladder is full, the bowel is pushed out of the way. Starting an hour before the scan you will need to drink 500ml of clear fluid (not milky or fizzy), finishing half an hour before the scan.

The CVS takes about 30 minutes in total. Most of the time is spent having the ultrasound scan and preparing equipment. The collection of the sample usually takes about a minute. Your partner or support person is encouraged to attend. It is best that children do not attend.

Ultrasound is used to see where the baby and the developing placenta are located. The woman’s abdomen is cleaned with antiseptic. Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin to numb it. A fine sterile needle is guided through the woman’s abdominal wall and the wall of the uterus (womb) into the developing placenta. The path of the needle is watched by ultrasound.

A smaller needle is then guided through the initial needle to collect a small sample of the developing placenta. This smaller needle may need to be passed several times in order to collect enough cells for testing. This method is called “transabdominal” CVS and is almost always used. The sample of the developing placenta is sent to the laboratory for testing.

Occasionally a different method called “transvaginal” CVS is used. The doctor will discuss this with you if it is necessary to use this method.

Sometimes due to the position of the placenta, it may not be possible to collect a sample. If this happens, you may be asked to come back a week later to try again. If this is not successful, then a different test called amniocentesis may be needed (see topic on Amniocentesis)

Most women say that the procedure is no more painful than other types of injections. Some women feel cramping when the needle enters the uterus or as the sample is being collected.

Arrangements will be made for you to receive the results. You are advised to rest at home for the remainder of the day. Your blood group needs to be known and, if it is Rh negative, you will usually receive an injection of Anti D at the end of the procedure. Your doctor will explain why this is necessary.

The most common test done on a CVS sample is a chromosome test. In order to analyse the chromosomes fully, the cells from the placenta must first be grown. The final chromosome result is usually available within 5 to 10 days.

If a CVS is done to test for a specific genetic disorder, results may take a little longer. Your doctor will discuss this with you further. The CVS will identify the sex of the baby. Parents may choose whether or not they wish to be told.

In a small number of cases, in order to be able to interpret the results of the chromosome test fully, a chromosome test on a blood sample from the parents or further tests on the baby may also be needed. In about 2 in 100 tests (2%) the results may be difficult to fully interpret and an amniocentesis may be needed to clarify the results (see topic on Amniocentesis) In up to 2 tests in 100 (2%) a result cannot be obtained from the sample, because not enough cells are present. A repeat test is then needed.

Amniocentesis is another test that allows a baby’s chromosomes to be tested accurately. This test can be done after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Please read the topic on Amniocentesis for further information about the differences between these tests. It is usual to choose either a CVS or an amniocentesis, not both.

Pregnancy, birth and baby Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is a national Australian Government service providing support and information for expecting parents and parents of children, from birth to 5 years of age.http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/